With several British contenders already eliminated from the singles competition, attention has quickly shifted to Fery, who is emerging as one of the surprise stories of this year’s tournament.

Although he now represents Great Britain, Fery was born in Paris to French parents. His family relocated to Wimbledon when he was a child, and he later joined the British tennis development system after initially representing France in his early years. The Stanford University graduate said reaching this stage of Wimbledon carried special meaning because he grew up watching the tournament and dreaming of competing on its courts.

Fery said he had spent much of his childhood imitating players he watched at Wimbledon and described his latest victory as a special moment in his career. His rise has attracted additional attention because of his family background. His mother, Olivia, is a former French Fed Cup player, while his father, Loic, is associated with French football club Lorient.

In the women’s draw, third seed Iga Swiatek delivered one of the most convincing performances of the tournament so far. The Polish star defeated former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova 6-1, 6-3 in just 69 minutes to secure her place in the third round.

Swiatek looked in complete control throughout the contest, dominating from the baseline and rarely allowing Pliskova opportunities to settle into the match. After navigating a more emotional opening-round encounter, the five-time Grand Slam champion appeared significantly more comfortable on court.

Speaking after the win, Swiatek said she felt much more settled compared to her opening match and was pleased with her focus and decision-making during the contest.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina also enjoyed a straightforward afternoon on Centre Court. The Kazakh star defeated American Katie McNally 6-1, 6-2 in 71 minutes to continue her campaign.

Rybakina had been pushed to three sets in her first-round match, raising questions about her rhythm on grass, but she answered those concerns with a dominant display. Her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes kept McNally under constant pressure, allowing the 2022 champion to progress without serious difficulty.

She will next face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the third round.

Elsewhere, experienced Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov booked his place in the next stage after overcoming Czech player Jakub Mensik in a four-set battle. Dimitrov prevailed 7-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a match interrupted by rain.

The contest required the Centre Court roof to be closed, a situation that briefly reminded Dimitrov of last year’s difficult Wimbledon campaign when injury forced him to retire from a high-profile match. This time, however, the Bulgarian successfully navigated the challenge and advanced to set up a meeting with Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.

While British fans celebrated Fery’s success in singles, the doubles competition brought disappointment. Katie Boulter and Heather Watson fought hard and saved multiple match points in a dramatic second-set tiebreak but eventually lost in three sets. Their defeat ensured that all six British women’s doubles pairs exited the tournament in the opening round.

The men’s doubles draw offered some encouragement, with leading British players Henry Patten and Neal Skupski progressing to the second round.

As Wimbledon moves deeper into its second week, Fery now carries the hopes of the home crowd in singles competition, while established contenders such as Swiatek and Rybakina continue their pursuit of another Grand Slam title.

French Open prize row deepens as Sabalenka warns boycott

Aryna Sabalenka French Open prize money dispute intensifies, with top players pushing for a 22% revenue share and hinting at a possible boycott if demands remain unmet.

The simmering Aryna Sabalenka French Open prize money dispute took a sharper turn on Tuesday, with the world No. 1 openly warning that players could consider boycotting the tournament if revenue-sharing concerns are not addressed. The remarks come amid growing unease among top-ranked players over what they see as an imbalance between tournament earnings and athlete compensation.

Sabalenka’s comments, made during the ongoing Italian Open, reflect a broader sentiment across both the men’s and women’s tours. Several leading players have in recent days backed calls for a significant revision in how Grand Slam revenues are distributed.

Organisers of the French Open had earlier announced a 9.5% increase in the total prize pool for this year, taking it to €61.7 million (approximately ₹686 crore). While the figure marks a notable rise, players argue it falls short of expectations, particularly given the tournament’s growing commercial success.

According to estimates shared by player groups, the proportion of revenue allocated to athletes could decline from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% by 2026. Players are instead seeking a 22% share, aligning with compensation structures seen in ATP and WTA 1000-level events.

Speaking candidly, Aryna Sabalenka stressed the central role players play in the sport’s ecosystem. “Without us, there would be no tournament and no entertainment,” she said, adding that athletes deserve a larger portion of the revenues they help generate.

She went a step further, suggesting that a boycott may become inevitable if discussions fail to yield results. “There will come a time when we will boycott it. I think this is the only way left to fight for our rights,” she noted, signalling a hardening stance.

Sabalenka is not alone. American star Coco Gauff has publicly supported the demand for better revenue sharing, while men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is among several top-10 players who have expressed dissatisfaction.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that informal discussions among players have intensified over the past week, with a rare level of unity emerging across both tours. This alignment between leading male and female players could increase pressure on organisers ahead of the clay-court major.

The dispute is not limited to prize money alone. Players have also raised concerns about long-term welfare, including access to pensions, improved healthcare support, and greater representation in decision-making processes.

They argue that while Grand Slam events generate substantial profits, the benefits for players—especially those outside the top ranks—remain limited. The issue has been a recurring one in professional tennis, but the current push appears more coordinated.

So far, officials associated with the French Open have not issued a formal response to the latest statements. According to tournament insiders, discussions on financial structures are typically handled behind closed doors, though public pressure could accelerate engagement.

Past disagreements between players and organisers have usually been resolved without major disruption. However, the prospect of a boycott—even if remote—raises concerns about the tournament’s global image and scheduling.

With the French Open just weeks away, the coming days could prove crucial. Whether through formal negotiations or informal dialogue, both sides may be compelled to find common ground.

For now, the Aryna Sabalenka French Open prize money dispute underscores a broader shift in athlete expectations—one where players are increasingly willing to challenge established systems in pursuit of what they see as a fairer share.

Novak Djokovic credits Virat Kohli for cricket fandom, confirms India visit

Tennis icon opens up

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has revealed that Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is the sole reason he started following cricket. The 24-time Grand Slam champion made this disclosure on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards held on Tuesday. Djokovic also confirmed that he plans to travel to India soon to meet the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain.

 Kohli sparked cricket interest

The Serbian tennis star admitted he had no prior engagement with the sport before Kohli entered his orbit. “Yes, Virat is a friend and someone I, of course, respect and admire. He’s actually, to be honest, the reason why I started following cricket. I haven’t followed it. So through him, I started following it more,” Djokovic told Times Now.

 A meeting in India soon

Djokovic expressed strong intent to turn his virtual bond into a real-life meeting on Indian soil. “And, you know, we keep in touch. And hopefully when I come, I don’t want to say if, when I come to India, hopefully he can join, and then we could do a little bit of tennis, a little bit of cricket, and have fun and just spread positive, good vibes with people and celebrate sport,” he added.

 Mutual respect on display

The bond between the two sporting greats has been visible over the past year. Last season, Kohli attended Wimbledon and watched Djokovic’s match against Alex de Minaur. Following Djokovic’s victory, Kohli posted a congratulatory message on social media, which the tennis star warmly acknowledged. Such cross-sport admiration has rarely been seen at this scale involving an Indian cricketer.

 Djokovic feels India calling

Beyond his equation with Kohli, Djokovic spoke at length about his deep emotional connection with Indian fans. He said he has felt a strong urge to visit the country for several years. “My message is always love, respect, and appreciation for all the support over the years that I personally have been receiving from all the Indian tennis fans and Indian sports fans around the world. There are so many that I’ve been meeting all this time,” he said.

 A promise to Indian supporters

The Serbian ace did not hold back his enthusiasm about an India visit. “So I really hope that I’ll be able to come to India and do an event, play a match, or whatever it is. I really wish for that because I feel very close to Indian people,” Djokovic stated. His comments have already triggered speculation about a possible exhibition match or fan event involving both Djokovic and Kohli.

 Impact beyond cricket

Virat Kohli’s global influence continues to expand beyond cricket stadiums. As the ongoing IPL 2026 season draws massive viewership, Kohli remains the face of the league. His social media following surpasses several top NBA and football stars. When podcast host Joe Rogan recently learned that Kohli has more Instagram followers than LeBron James, he expressed genuine surprise. Moments like Djokovic’s open admiration further cement Kohli’s status as a truly global sporting icon.

 What next for fans

With Djokovic confirming an India visit, discussions are already underway about potential dates and venues. Sources indicate that the event could take place later this year, possibly in Mumbai or Delhi. If realised, a combined tennis-cricket exhibition featuring Djokovic and Kohli would be the first of its kind in India. For now, fans of both sports are eagerly waiting for an official announcement. The latest news today from India suggests that this cross-sport friendship is only set to grow stronger in the coming months.

Elena Rybakina Makes History at Australian Open 2026

Elena Rybakina claimed her maiden Australian Open title after defeating world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, on Saturday, January 31. The Kazakhstani star won the intense contest 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, adding another major milestone to her rapidly rising tennis career.

With this victory, the Elena Rybakina Australian Open title becomes her second Grand Slam triumph, following her memorable Wimbledon win in 2022. The final, watched by millions worldwide, lived up to expectations as two of the most powerful players in women’s tennis battled for supremacy.

A High-Quality Australian Open Final

The Australian Open final showcased elite-level tennis from both players. Rybakina started strong, using her powerful serve and clean groundstrokes to take the opening set 6-4. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline game, bounced back in the second set, raising her intensity to level the match.

In the decisive third set, Rybakina showed remarkable composure under pressure. She broke Sabalenka at a crucial moment and maintained her nerve to close out the match, silencing doubts and sealing the biggest win of her season so far.

How Rybakina Outplayed the World No.1

According to tennis analysts, Rybakina’s tactical discipline made the difference. Key factors behind her victory included:

 Consistent first-serve percentage

 Calm shot selection during long rallies

 Mental strength in pressure points

 Effective returns against Sabalenka’s power

A former Grand Slam champion, speaking after the match, noted that Rybakina “played fearless tennis and stayed composed when it mattered most.”

Why This Win Matters Right Now

The Elena Rybakina Australian Open title comes at a time when the women’s tennis tour is witnessing intense competition at the top. Defeating Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world no.1, sends a strong message ahead of the 2026 season.

This victory is expected to boost Rybakina’s ranking, confidence, and global fan following. It also reshapes the WTA title race, making the upcoming tournaments even more exciting.

What’s Next for Elena Rybakina?

With two Grand Slam titles now to her name, Rybakina is firmly established among the elite players of the game. Fans and experts will be watching closely to see if she can continue this momentum in the upcoming hard-court and clay-court tournaments.

Elena Rybakina’s triumph at the Australian Open is more than just another title—it marks her evolution into a consistent Grand Slam contender. By defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final, she has written a new chapter in her career and set the tone for an exciting tennis season ahead.

Australian Open 2026: Sabalenka’s Dominance Continues in Melbourne

The Australian Open 2026 continues to deliver high-quality tennis and compelling storylines, with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka once again proving why she is the player to beat. On Sunday, January 25, the World No.1 powered into the quarter-finals, while Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz also secured his place in the last eight, keeping his title hopes alive.

With Melbourne battling extreme heat and rising young talents challenging established stars, this year’s tournament feels both intense and transitional for world tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka Reaches Fourth Straight Quarter-Final

Belarusian ace Aryna Sabalenka defeated 19-year-old Canadian debutant Victoria Mboko 6-1, 7-6(1) in a fourth-round clash at Rod Laver Arena. The match underlined Sabalenka’s authority at the Australian Open 2026, as she reached the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive year.

Sabalenka was untouchable in the opening set, wrapping it up in just 31 minutes. Her powerful serves and aggressive baseline play gave Mboko little room to settle. However, the second set told a different story.

Mboko’s Brave Fight and a Historic Tie-Break Record

Despite trailing 1-4 in the second set, Mboko showed remarkable composure. She broke Sabalenka’s serve, saved three match points at 4-5, and forced a tie-break. That is where Sabalenka’s experience made the difference.

The World No.1 dominated the tie-break 7-1, registering her 22nd consecutive tie-break win, a remarkable record on the WTA Tour. Tennis experts have begun calling her a “tie-break specialist,” a trait that often separates champions from contenders.

After the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent, calling Mboko “a fantastic player” and highlighting the exciting future of women’s tennis. Mboko, playing her first Grand Slam main draw and first Centre Court match, received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Sabalenka Faces Eva Jovic Next

Sabalenka will next face Eva Jovic, who dismantled Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 to enter the quarter-finals. Given Sabalenka’s current form and mental toughness, she remains the strongest contender to lift the trophy again.

Carlos Alcaraz Advances Amid Heat and Drama

On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz reached his third straight Australian Open quarter-final by defeating Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-4, 7-5. The match was briefly halted due to a medical emergency in the stands, likely caused by Melbourne’s extreme heat—an ongoing concern at the Australian Open 2026.

Adding a lighter moment, Alcaraz was amused when fans jokingly proposed marriage from the stands, a clip that has since gone viral on social media.

Why This Matters Now

As the Australian Open 2026 heads into its decisive stages, Sabalenka’s dominance and Alcaraz’s consistency highlight a tournament shaped by resilience, youth, and star power. For fans, the message is clear: the business end of the season’s first Grand Slam has arrived—and the best may be yet to come.

The Australian Open 2026 took a dramatic turn on Saturday as soaring temperatures in Melbourne pushed the world’s elite athletes to their absolute limits. While the headlines belonged to defending champion Jannik Sinner and his narrow escape from an upset, the day also set the stage for a historic, friendly rivalry in the women’s draw.

Sinner Overcomes Cramps and 40°C Heat

In a match that nearly saw the tournament’s second seed sent packing, Italy’s Jannik Sinner had to dig deep to maintain his title defense. Facing American world No. 85 Elliot Spizzirri, Sinner’s record-breaking streak of 25 consecutive sets won in Melbourne was finally snapped. Spizzirri stunned the Rod Laver Arena crowd by taking the opening set 6-4.

As temperatures climbed toward a blistering 40°C (104°F), the drama intensified. Midway through the third set, with Sinner visibly struggling with leg and arm cramps, the tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy was invoked. Play was halted for approximately 10 minutes to allow the retractable roof to close.

This brief reprieve proved life-saving for the Italian. Under the air-conditioned shade of the closed roof, Sinner regrouped to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory.

"I got lucky with the heat rule and the roof closing," Sinner admitted post-match. "I was cramping a bit all over. I took my time, and as the time passed, I felt better."

The "Podcast Derby": Keys vs. Pegula

On the women’s side, the focus shifts to an intriguing Round of 16 clash between two of America’s brightest stars. Defending champion Madison Keys continued her imperious form, dismissing Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-3 in just 75 minutes.

Keys will now face her close friend and sixth seed Jessica Pegula, who breezed past Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-2. What makes this matchup unique is their relationship off the court—the two are co-hosts of the popular tennis podcast, "The Player’s Box."

Match Highlights & Team USA Dominance:

• American Excellence: With Amanda Anisimova also advancing after a 6-1, 6-4 win over Peyton Stearns, four American women have now reached the Round of 16.

• Heat Advantage: Both Keys and Anisimova, residents of Florida, noted that the Melbourne heat felt like "home," giving them a psychological edge over their opponents.

• Strategic Play: Pegula and Keys both finished their matches early in the day, avoiding the worst of the afternoon sun that plagued the Sinner match.

Why the Extreme Heat Policy Matters

The Australian Open 2026 is increasingly defined by the "Heat Stress Scale." This policy doesn't just look at the thermometer; it calculates radiant heat, humidity, and wind speed. When the scale hits 5, outdoor play is suspended—a move that saved Sinner’s tournament but has caused significant scheduling headaches for organizers.

As we head into the second week, the ability to recover from these grueling conditions will be just as important as a powerful serve.